San Diegans can thank the The Village Garden Club of La Jolla for the blooming jacarandas currently brightening the city. They can likewise thank their fellow residents who have generously donated to the club’s Jacaranda Tree Project.

In 1986, Sylvia Simpson Coleman, ﻿a member of The Village Garden Club of La Jolla (VGCLJ), launched the Jacaranda Tree Project as an initiative to plant thousands of jacarandas throughout San Diego. The jacaranda blooms with lilac-colored flowers during May and June, brightening San Diego’s “May gray” and “June gloom.” By planting jacaranda trees, Coleman and the VGCLJ hoped not only to beautify the city for residents, but also to attract tourists during the overcast season. In addition, jacarandas are drought tolerant and easy to maintain — the perfect plant for such an undertaking.

Since 1986, the Jacaranda Tree Project has coordinated with city and county agencies to plant more than 2,100 trees at parks, schools, churches, recreation centers and along city streets. The group also partners with Caltrans to plant trees beside freeway off-ramps.

In October 2000, the San Diego City Council responded to the VGCLJ’s civic beautification efforts by designating the jacaranda as the official tree of San Diego.

The new Central Library under construction in downtown San Diego boasts the VGCLJ’s latest jacarandas. Future projects include two 21-tree groves at the redesigned North Embarcadero at San Diego Bay and 12 trees for the new Horton Plaza Park. The VGCLJ also plans to supply the San Diego International Airport with jacaranda trees for the airport’s western extension.

The VGCLJ funds the Jacaranda Tree Project through $50 donations that remember the deceased, honor the living or commemorate life milestones.

To become a Jacaranda Tree Project donor, mail a $50 check, made out to “The Village Garden Club of La Jolla, Jacaranda Project,” to 3288 Caminito Ameca, La Jolla, CA 92037. ﻿Write a separate check for each donation. Include your name, address, phone number or email, and the name of the person or event you wish to recognize (In Memory of or In Honor of). A VGCLJ member will contact you to confirm receipt of the donation and answer any questions.